Recognising potential. Encouraging writers.
The Lancaster Literary Award
About the award
Backing one writer, every year.
Each year, Award Patron Richard Lancaster personally selects one City of Moreton Bay writer to receive a $500 course credit towards Scribbly's Beyond the Manuscript program in the following year.
You do not need to be published
This award is for writers with potential, curiosity and a willingness to keep learning. Your work may be finished, unfinished or only beginning to take shape.
You do not need an agent
The award is not about industry connections, polished credentials or knowing the right people. It is about supporting a writer who will genuinely benefit from the opportunity.
You do not need a manuscript
You may be working on your first book or your fiftieth, in fiction or non-fiction. You simply need a piece of writing you are ready to develop.
Who can apply?
Moreton Bay writers aged 18 and over.
- Lives within the City of Moreton Bay
- Has a piece of writing to work with
- Published or unpublished
- Writes fiction or non-fiction
- Can participate in the program in English
What can the program help with?
The practical side of being a writer.
- Understanding publishing options
- Preparing and producing a book
- Working with editors, designers and other professionals
- Building an author presence
- Marketing and selling books
- Planning what comes next
Richard Lancaster
Award Patron
“Sometimes, all a writer needs is for someone to recognise the promise in their words.”
— Richard Lancaster
About our Award Patron
Richard Lancaster
Veteran journalist, writer and Award Patron
Richard Lancaster has spent more than seven decades creating stories and recognising talent in others.
His remarkable career has crossed journalism, radio, television, theatre, filmmaking, publishing and talent management. He has written nine books, created films and musicals, established production and celebrity agencies, and contributed more than 1,000 Culture Vulture columns to the Redcliffe community.
Throughout it all, Richard has remained guided by curiosity, individuality and a genuine interest in people and their stories.
The Lancaster Literary Award continues that legacy. Each year, Richard personally reads the applications and selects one emerging or developing writer from the City of Moreton Bay to receive practical support at a meaningful stage of their writing journey.
Key dates
Applications are accepted from 1 to 31 August each year.
The recipient is announced at Scribbly's Stories in the Dark event.
Applications open 1 August
READY TO TAKE YOUR WRITING FURTHER?
The Lancaster Literary Award supports one City of Moreton Bay writer each year with a $500 course credit towards Scribbly's Beyond the Manuscript program.